How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Sanford, NC?
The driving distance from Winston-Salem, NC to Sanford, NC is about 82 miles (131.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 21m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 40m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in Guilford County, North Carolina
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Winston-Salem and Sanford.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem and Sanford.
-
1
Start on North Main Street
2610 ft · 59 sec · North Main Street
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2
Take the ramp sharp left toward US 158 East, US 421 South, NC 150 East
917 ft · 22 sec
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3
Merge slight left onto Salem Parkway
2.5 mi · 3 min · Salem Parkway
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4
Keep slight left to continue on Salem Parkway
16 mi · 19 min · Salem Parkway
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 73 South, US 421 South: Asheboro, Durham
12.2 mi · 13 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 421: Sanford
1133 ft · 28 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 421 South: Sanford
44.7 mi · 55 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 421 Business South: Sanford, Cumnock Road
1719 ft · 47 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on US 421 Business, Cumnock Road: Sanford
139 m · 13 sec
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10
Turn right onto Boone Trail Road
3.1 mi · 4 min · Boone Trail Road
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11
Continue on North Horner Boulevard
2.2 mi · 4 min · North Horner Boulevard
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Horner Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winston-Salem and Sanford.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 421 South
Keep slight right to continue on US 421 South: Sanford
44.7 mi · 00h 55m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Winston-Salem and Chance Rain Showers near Sanford.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Winston-Salem to Sanford?
The road trip is about 82 miles (131.9 km) and usually takes 01h 40m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Forest Oaks is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.9 miles from Winston-Salem and 41 miles from Sanford.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:08 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.45 one way or $22.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Winston-Salem and Chance Rain Showers near Sanford.
Stop Ideas Near Forest Oaks
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Forest Oaks.
J. Douglas Galyon Depot
High Point
Burlington
Winston-Salem State Univ, Winston-Salem, North Car
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winston-Salem and Sanford. Straight-line distance: 73.42 mi (118.16 km).
#1 Winston-Salem
The fifth most populous city in North Carolina.
| Population | 248,112 |
| Coordinates | 36.0998600, -80.2442200 |
| Altitude | 293 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sanford
City in Lee County, North Carolina, United States of America
| Population | 30,361 |
| Coordinates | 35.4798800, -79.1803000 |
| Altitude | 109 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sanford (-79.1803, 35.47988)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 132 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $11.45 | $22.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $12.80 | $25.60 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $13.81 | $27.62 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $16.25 | $32.51 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in North Carolina · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.